Amy Winehouse faces legal threat

domingo, 31 de agosto de 2008 |

The organisers of a French music festival are threatening legal action after Amy Winehouse pulled out on Friday (August 29) with just hours to go.

The troubled star was due to headline at the three-day Rock En Seine festival in Paris but pulled out at the eleventh hour claiming she had taken ill at home.

Now, Rock En Seine have said there was "no explanation of the exact reasons for her absence". They also say they were given just two hours notice that Winehouse would not be appearing.

"We are very sorry about this situation and share the disappointment of the festival-goers," a statement from organisers said.

A spokesman declined to comment on the threat of legal action, reports the BBC.

London Ambulance Service said their paramedics had not been called to the singer's address on Friday night.

is next due to appear at the Bestival festival on the Isle of Wight next Saturday (September 6).

Via nme.com

I can't even think about another baby.. our three boys take up so much of my time. And, no, we won't adopt.. though I admire people who do

While Brand Beckham may be growing - Victoria's waistline won't be for a while.

As the former Spice Girl signed copies of her new scent Signature at a posh department store, she told me her baby plans are on hold.

Although Victoria and David have spoken about wanting a girl to add to their brood of sons - Brooklyn, nine, five-year-old Romeo, and Cruz, three, the only tantrums the singer wants to deal with right now are the ones in the fashion world.

Looking stunning in a dazzling white Giambattista Valli shift dress with a fluffy white panel on the back, Victoria, 34, revealed: "I can't even think about having another baby right now. The boys take up so much of my time.

"They're in England with me at the moment, and thank goodness I've got my mum and my dad to look after them for a bit.

"Life is busy in LA because Brooklyn's got football, Romeo's got gymnastics and Cruz has break-dancing. Plus they have school commitments. They start school again next week so we all have to go uniform shopping now."

As I chatted to Victoria in Harvey Nichols, Manchester, I asked whether she would consider following in the footsteps of Madonna and Angelina Jolie - who have adopted babies .

But she said: "We really respect people who go through adoption, but it's not something we have considered as we have our hands full with the three children we do have!" Victoria is gearing up for a new assault on the clothing industry with her own very posh range of couture gowns during New York Fashion Week.

In two weeks, she will take a new range of full-length dresses to a hotel suite in New York and put on a show for editors of glossy magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

She explained: "They're very sexy dresses. Full-length frocks and bold colours - stuff that makes women feel good.

"I'm just showing it to a collection of magazine journalists and boutique retailers because I want to start off small and see what the reaction is. I really hope people will like it."

Victoria's DVB Style range of jeans is sold in more than 100 retailers in the US and the UK.

Sales of her sunglasses and handbags are also booming.

Meanwhile, David, 33, is busy with endorsements for Adidas and Armani.

And he also has three years left on his contract with the LA Galaxy soccer side.

Via mirror.co.uk

Just Married: James Gandolfini and Deborah Lin!

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Even on The Sopranos, James Gandolfini put family first.
Now, the actor is doing the same in real life, as he tied the knot with fiancée Deborah Lin yesterday in her hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii."There was a nice big kiss at the end with both hands on the cheeks," a source at the ceremony told People Magazine, adding the couple "looked great."

With a group of their closest friends and family looking on, Gandolfini and Lin exchanged their vows in an intimate ceremony. They were surrounded by white lilies and rhododendrons adorning every pew.

Via fashion.ie

Mohamed secures place in BB final

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Big Brother contestant Mohamed Mohamed has secured his place in the final week of the reality TV show after being voted head of house.

Housemates were asked to vote for head of house instead of making nominations for eviction.

The 23-year-old toy demonstrator's promotion means he will be immune from the public eviction vote this week.

Eight contestants are competing for the £100,000 prize. The winner will be announced on 5 September.

Mohamed sat in stunned silence on the sofa when the winner was announced while his fellow housemates whooped and cheered.

"It's amazing isn't it? He's guaranteed a trip to the final, it's great," said Darnell Swallow.

"It's just funny how the show's gone. You would think there was a script for this show but there isn't. It's like a movie."

Mohamed received four votes from his fellow housemates while Kathreya Kasisopa received three.

Darnell, Rachel Rice and Lisa Appleton each received two votes and Sara Folino, Mikey Hughes and Rex Newmark received one vote each.

Via bbc.co.uk

Danielle Lloyd £8k designer bag

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While the rest of us are saving our pennies due to the credit crunch, some people are obviously not affected by the British economy.

Danielle Lloyd was seen arriving at a hotel in Mayfair, sporting the brand new Fendi 'Wisteria Leather Spy Bag' which cost a whopping £8000.

The wannabe wag claimed that the designer accessory was a gift from her new boyfriend but did not want to disclose his identity.

On Wednesday she was seen holding hands with UK rapper called Ironik.

Metallica, T.I., AC/DC top fall album releases

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This fall is full of questions for the topsy-turvy music world:

Will Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" finally be released?

Can Britney manage a comeback?

Will anyone escape the tween typhoon of "High School Musical 3"?

Nevertheless, five albums to look for (we think):

_ "Death Magnetic," Metallica: On Sept. 12, Metallica will drop their much-awaited, Rick Rubin-produced new album. Their ninth studio disc — and first in five years — is said to return the band to their speed metal roots. The band has been shy about playing the new tunes in concert, but expectations are high thanks to Rubin's involvement. Even with all their black clothes, Metallica's fans remain an extremely hopeful bunch.

_ "Paper Trail," T.I.: The Atlanta-based rapper returns with his sixth album, which already boasts a hot single: "Whatever You Like." Due out Sept. 30, "Paper Trail" is all but assured of keeping T.I.'s streak of No. 1 albums intact. But the rapper (real name: Clifford Harris) will also have a balancing act in promoting it. While he continues to rap about violence, he's also speaking against it as part of a punishment handed out in March after pleading guilty to federal weapons charges. Besides at least 1,000 hours of community service, he faces almost a year in jail.

_ "Black Ice," AC/DC: It's been eight years since AC/DC made a studio album, and a lot has changed since then. For starters, just look at how the seminal Australian hard rock band is releasing their new album on Oct. 20: only through Wal-Mart, Sam's Club stores and ACDC.com. Stoking excitement have been reports that suggest "Black Ice" bears similarities to AC/DC's classic 1980 disc "Back in Black," one of the best-selling albums of all time.

_ "Dear Science," TV on the Radio: Not all the hotly anticipated albums are surefire chart-toppers. Music fans are also eager for new material from Lucinda Williams, Jenny Lewis, Kings of Leon and this ambitious Brooklyn band. TV on the Radio's last album, the absurdly named "Return to Cookie Mountain," topped many critics' best-of lists for 2006 (including this writer's). With each subsequent disc, TV on the Radio has seemed to mature — a trajectory that suggests very good things for "Dear Science" (out Sept. 23).

_ "High School Musical 3: Senior Year": Don't even try to fight it. The latest big-screen installment — and the accompanying soundtrack out Oct. 21 — of this Disney Channel phenomenon will be received with teenybopper hysteria in late October. If you must, begin constructing your bomb shelter now. But don't stop, even for a second, to gaze into Zac Efron's eyes. They ... will ... draw ... you ... in.

Via associatedpress

Brad Pitt turns real life hero; saves fan from falling into lake

viernes, 29 de agosto de 2008 |

Hollywood actor Brad Pitt has proved that he’s a real life hero, as he saved a fan from falling into a lake.

The ‘Mr. And Mrs. Smith’ actor, who was at the Venice Film Festival, gladly agreed to sign autographs for a group of teenagers on a boat – but suddenly a fan tripped and fell into the lake.


Pitt rapidly rescued the shaken fan by pulling him back on the boat, reports Contactmusic.

The actor ensured the fan was back on the boat safely.

Meanwhile, the actor recently revealed that he wants to have two more kids with partner Angelina Jolie.

Via newspostonline.com

David Duchovny, who plays a sex-obsessed character on Showtime's "Californication," has entered a rehabilitation facility for sex addiction.

The 48 year old actor said he did so voluntarily, in a statement released Thursday by his lawyer, Stanton Stein. He added: "I ask for respect and privacy for my wife and children as we deal with this situation as a family."

Duchovny's publicist, Flo Grace, confirmed the report, which first appeared on the Web site People.com. She and Stein both declined further comment.

"All of us at Showtime wish David and his family the best during this very private time," the network said in a statement.

The second season of "Californication" begins Sept. 28.

Duchovny starred as the conspiracy-minded Fox Mulder on "The X-Files" TV series and in two films. "The X-Files: I Want to Believe" opened in theaters earlier this summer.

He and his wife, actress Tea Leoni, have two children. The couple married in 1997.

Via associatedpress

Happy 50th Birthday, Michael Jackson!

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First Madonna, now another big 80s music star Michael Jackson turned 50 today. But while her career is still going strong as she tours her latest album - things have been quiet on the Jackson front.

It's not surprising as recent years have seen him go through a very public trial, before being acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005.

Since then there have been money difficulties with his Neverland Ranch, which came close to being auctioned off this year when he owed $24.5 million on the estate.

After his days in court, Jackson has stayed away from his Neverland home to live abroad in Bahrain, France, and a castle in Ireland - but there are rumours of a comeback.

Music names like Will I Am from the Black Eyed Peas, Akon, Chris Brown and Ne-Yo have all been linked to stories of new Michael Jackson material.

One of the best-selling artists of all time, he started his career in family group The Jackson 5 and had huge hits with albums like Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad and HI.

Via ndtv.com

Lindsay Lohan's grandfather died Thursday. The "Mean Girls" star's father Michael confirmed the death of his dad Richard - who had been suffering from terminal colon cancer - but revealed he is unsure whether the 23-year-old actress will attend the funeral following the pair's public war of words.

Michael told America's OK! magazine: "My father just, literally, died in my arms. I notified all my kids and my lawyer notified my ex-wife Dina's attorney. Let's see if she has the decency and respect to bring my kids to the wake and funeral."

"THIS will show her true colors! Thus, not even a call. But that's par for the course with Dina! She didn't even send a card or visit when he was sick."

Michael - who accused Lindsay's girlfriend Samantha Ronson of using his daughter earlier this week - also revealed he is planning to star in a TV special.

The show will document how Michael's stinging attack on Samantha was orchestrated by Dina.

He said: "I'm going to do a one-hour special. Everyone is going to hear everything for themselves. They're going to hear everything Dina has to say. I have it all on tape - all recorded, time and date-stamped."

"You will hear it all. I have 101 text messages between Lindsay and I, and I have about 60 tape recordings of Dina. These lies have to stop. She can't say all these things to me and when I try to address it, deny everything. Dina's a hypocrite and I'm tired of it."

Via allheadlinenews.com

Guy Ritchie has denied rumours that he and wife Madonna have renewed their wedding vows, or are planning to in the near future - because they’ve already spent enough on celebrations this summer.

Speaking to the Mirror recently, he branded the rumours “rubbish”: think once was enough. And I’ve just paid out on a big party for her birthday.

“I bought her two original Hermes drawings of equestrian thingies - but trust me, the party was infinitely more expensive than the paintings.”

The couple were rumoured to have repeated their vows in a private Kabbalah ceremony earlier this month. They married in December 2000.

Via fametastic.co.uk

Fiona Phillips quits GMTV

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GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips is to leave the breakfast show after nearly 16 years, her agent has confirmed.

The 47-year-old, who has been the show's main anchor since 1996, will leave the programme, shown across ITV in the mornings, at the end of this year to devote more time to her children and care of her elderly father.

In a statement released by GMTV, Phillips said it had been "the hardest decision I have ever made".

"I love the job but I've got other responsibilities - the children, a home life and an elderly dad who needs me - and I've recognised that I can't have it all," she said.

Phillips joined the show in 1993 as entertainment correspondent, then spent two years in the US as the LA correspondent where she covered the OJ Simpson trial and the Los Angeles earthquake before landing the top job on the sofa.

In her time with the programme Phillips interviewed a string of household names including Brad Pitt, Gordon Brown, the Beckhams and Michael Barrymore, whom she interviewed in September 2002 about the death of Stuart Lubbock in his swimming pool.

She is leaving midway through a three-year £1.5m contract, the Daily Mirror reported this morning.

Despite her departure, her agent confirmed last night that the presenter still intended to work in television.

The GMTV director of programming, Peter McHugh, was among the first to praise Phillips, saying she would be sorely missed.

"But after all those years of getting up at 4am we can understand why she wants a change," he said.

"Her honesty and openness have helped make GMTV the success it is. She is a tough act to follow.

"But she's not going until Christmas which gives us plenty of opportunity to organise lots of leaving dos."

Phillips started her career in independent radio working for local stations County Sound, Hereward Radio and Radio Mercury before joining BBC's South and East Weekend Programme as co-presenter.

She later took a job as a reporter with Sky News, before becoming the entertainment editor on GMTV.

Phillips is married to GMTV programme editor Martin Frizell and the couple have two sons - Nathaniel, nine, and Mackenzie, six.

Via guardian.co.uk

Sarah Palin's parents surprised by VP nomination

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f not for flooding at a remote creek, Chuck and Sally Heath might have found out by radio that their daughter, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, had been picked by John McCain to be his GOP running mate.

High water kept the Heaths from reaching their gold mine, which they use as a camp to hunt caribou.

They returned home, intending to drop in Friday at the Alaska State Fair, where their daughter was scheduled to take part in the ceremonial launch of the Alaska commemorative quarter.

Those plans went out the window with the announcement that Palin, a first-term governor, social conservative and new mother, had been thrust into the national spotlight by McCain.

"Holy cow. I'm just kind of speechless on the whole thing," said Chuck Heath, a former elementary school teacher, told The Associated Press.

In hindsight, he said Friday morning, he should have known something was up.

Alaska's first gentleman, Todd Palin, called him as he and Sally Heath drove to the remote camp behind Gunsight Mountain, 56 miles northeast of Palmer, which is well out of cell phone range.

"He didn't know we were going hunting," Heath said.

Todd Palin told him to listen to the radio.

"He said, 'Make sure you listen to the news from hunting camp.' I should have put two and two together," Heath said, because he knew McCain was going to make an announcement.

When they couldn't cross Caribou Creek on four-wheelers, they headed back to Wasilla and reached their home at midnight.

The phone rang at 4 a.m. Friday. A friend from Atlanta was on the line, noting the buzz that Palin was the McCain's likely vice presidential pick.

Heath said he tried Palin's various phone numbers and could not reach his daughter. That was a clear signal she had flown to Ohio to meet McCain.

"I would bet she's back there," Heath said before the announcement.

With only a few hours sleep, and with the phone ringing constantly at his home, he remained bemused by the commotion.

"I'd rather go moose hunting than be involved with politics," he said.

Via associatedpress

Kate Moss Is Solid Gold Supermodel

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Only a glimpse has so far been revealed of the statue, named Siren, by artist Marc Quinn.

But it is thought it will show Moss, 34, in an uncomfortable-looking yoga pose, which is how Quinn portrayed the model in a previous bronze sculpture.

Quinn's masterpiece is the largest gold statue to be produced since the time of Ancient Egypt.

Siren will go on display in the Nereid Gallery of the British Museum, where it will be surrounded by beauties such as Crouching Venus, the goddess of love.

London-born artist Quinn gained fame for his statue Alison Lapper Pregnant.

The marble sculpture of Lapper, who was born with no arms and shortened legs, was on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square for 20 months.

Quinn is also known for his sculpture Self - a bust of his head made from eight pints of his own frozen blood.

The artist's latest work is part of a contemporary artists' collection, entitled Statuephilia, going on display at the British Museum.

Each work will be placed in a separate room within the museum, alongside the permanent sculpture collection which dates back 250 years.

Highlights are to include Turner prize-winning artist Damien Hirst's collection of plastic skulls in the Enlightenment Gallery and Antony Gormley's precursor to his celebrated public sculpture Angel of the North.

Waldemar Januszczak, co-curator of Statuephilia, said: "Statuephilia will bring together a group of modern sculptors, all of whom have prowled through the corridors and display cabinets of the British Museum in their formative years looking at sculpture and feeling its unmatched international potency.

"The British Museum helped to make these artists what they are. Now they are seeking to return the favour."

The exhibition will run from October 4 to January 25 at the British Museum.

Via sky.com

Jessica Biel pregnant with Justin Timberlake's baby?

jueves, 28 de agosto de 2008 |

Rumors that Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake are expecting a child resurfaced today after photos of Biel leaving a Whole Foods in West Hollywood that showed her tummy looking as if it could be holding a mini Biel/Timberlake.

Back in May, the UK tabloid The Sun reported that Biel and Timberlake were planning to get married and were expecting a child, but those reports were denied at the time by the couple.

At this point, this is all speculation, but if this does turn out to be true the world should expect one good looking baby.

Via prefixmag.com

New Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton

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Helen Skelton is dating footballer David Graham, who plays for Scottish premier league team Hamilton Academicals, and her brother Gavin plays for rival team Kilmarnock.

But she also has a sound broadcasting background. She has a undergraduate degree in journalism from the Cumbria Institute of the Arts and worked at BBC Radio Cumbria before being poached by Newsround. A source at Blue Peter said: "It's a bit of a departure to employ the services of a WAG, but they're delighted to have Helen on board.

"She's not dizzy like a lot of the footballers' girlfriends - she's got a good head on her shoulders. Unlike most WAGs, Helen comes from a footballing family and knows her stuff. Saying that, she's also pretty clued up about shopping.

"She is perfect for Blue Peter - sexy, bubbly and up for anything."

In a profile written for her work with BBC Radio Cumbria, she listed additional talents that will make her a favourite on the teatime show.

She had bit-parts on Coronation Street and Cutting It, worked as a dance teacher in her hometown of Penrith in Cumbria and is a qualified tap dance teacher.

"Qualifications that unfortunately go to my head when I hit the dance floor on Saturday nights," she added.

A friend of Skelton's was quoted as saying: "She is very ambitious and this is her dream job. She sees it as a stepping stone to other high-profile presenting jobs and would love to one day be on Match of the Day."

Previous Blue Peter presenters have gone on to work as breakfast television presenters, appear on Strictly Come Dancing and in stage shows, as well as carrying to Olympic flame through London earlier this summer.

Via telegraph.co.uk

Gloria Estefan Cuts Back On Tour Time

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Singer Gloria Stefan has been forced to cut back on the amount of time she spends on tour - because she is getting older.

The Latina star has just turned 50 and is already feeling the effects of gruelling tour schedules.

She tells British magazine Closer, "I'm having to do things differently as I get older. I used to be able to tour for 16 months at a time, but there's no way I could do that now. I split it up into shifts these days."

But Estefan is defying herself - she has upcoming shows in Spain, Holland, Italy, Ireland and England this year (08).

Via showbizspy.com

Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of Pussycat Dolls, has written an emotional song for her boyfriend, F1 racer Lewis Hamilton.

Thesun.co.uk reports that the song for Hamilton is called "I Think I'm In Love".

Nicole said: "It is a very personal song. It's very in-depth and emotional, a real song that I know is going to connect with people."

Nicole didn't specify if she will put the song on her group's next album Doll Domination" or have it as a part of her solo album.

Via sify.com

Strictly Come Dancing line-up revealed

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The line up for the new series of BBC One's 'Strictly Come Dancing' has been revealed, with some household names among the competitors.

Joining hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly this year will be model Jodie Kidd, singer Rachel Stevens, 'Holby City' actor Tom Chambers and former 'EastEnders' stars Jessie Wallace, Gillian Taylforth and Phil Daniels.

'The One Show' host Christine Bleakley, actress Cherie Lunghi, former M People singer Heather Small and model and presenter Lisa Snowdon complete the women's line-up.

The other male contestants are: GMTV presenter, Andrew Castle, swimmer Mark Foster, rugby player Austin Healey, chef Gary Rhodes, political broadcaster John Sergeant and 'Rising Damp' star Don Warrington.

Commenting on the new series, host Forsyth said: "The show is bigger than ever with 16 contestants. It's going to need stamina as well as style to become this year's champion."

His co-host Daly said: "Everyone I talk to, from kids to grandparents, ask me about the show and once the series starts it's the main topic of conversation wherever I go, all anyone wants to talk about is 'Strictly...' and I love it.

"So here's to our sixth series being more exciting, dynamic and captivating than ever, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do."

Via rte.ie

Big Brother 9 contestants Lisa Appleton and Sara Folino have offset the pain of being nominated for eviction by sharing a £50,000 prize.

Housemates on the Channel 4 reality show were forced to announce their nominations in front of each other as Big Brother announced an eviction 'face-off'.

But after being picked to face the public vote, Sara and Lisa had a smile on their face after winning £50,000 in a game of jeopardy entitled The Prisoner's Dilemma.

The pair were handed the chance to share the money or take the jackpot individually, but were permitted to lie during the game in order to win the money.

After discussing their decision, Sara said: "I will choose to share. Think the world of you Lisa, you know that."

Lisa replied: "I wouldn't want to do anything different. You have been my best buddy on the show."

Having both told the truth, they each revealed a block labelled "share" and were awarded £25,000 each.

Both are still eligible for the £100,000 grand prize if they avoid eviction on Friday.

Meanwhile, Ofcom and Channel 4 received more than 1,500 complaints about Darnell Swallow and Rex Newmark's bullying of Sara.

Darnell called the Australian an "ugly b***h" and both he and Rex have been warned by Big Brother that their behaviour is unacceptable and could result in their being kicked off the show.

Via inthenews.co.uk

Big Brother contestant to win £50,000 tonight

miércoles, 27 de agosto de 2008 |

Big Brother housemates will have the chance to win £50,000 in tonight’s special live show.

The programme, to be aired at 9pm on Channel 4, has a cruel twist – contestants must nominate who they want to be evicted without the usual privacy of the Diary Room.

The 2 with the most votes will them be pitted against each other in a series of mind games and trick questions to win the money.

The eventual winner's £100,000 prize will not be affected.

Via nowmagazine.co.uk

Hollywood actress Pamela Anderson has poured her heart about men and marriage. Anderson, who was in Sydney to promote her new reality show Pam: Girl on the loose, said that most men in Australia were either gay or married.

"Well Mitchum is gay right?" News.com.au quoted Anderson, as saying about the Australian Olympic gold medallist. "Matthew Mitchum, I was hoping to meet him, but maybe the guys are gay or married," she added. However Anderson, who has had a series of failed marriages, pretty out rightly said that marriages are one thing she doesn't have any advice on. "I don't think I have much advice for marriage, obviously," she said.

Via oneindia.in

Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton have ended their engagement.

The split was amicable, said Nicole Perna, a publicist for the pair.

The 44-year-old actress and 55-year-old singer have been engaged since March 2006. They first started dating in 1992 and spent five years together, Perna said, then rekindled their romance in 2005.

Sheridan plays Edie Britt on ABC's "Desperate Housewives." Bolton won Grammy awards in 1989 and 1991 for male pop vocal performance.

The couple's split was first reported by People.com.

Via assoaciatedpress

The truth about Victoria and David Beckham's car crash

martes, 26 de agosto de 2008 |

David Beckham's rep insists he and wife Victoria were not involved in a car crash at the weekend.

Internet reports said the pair smashed into a wall on their way to a French airport, where David was catching a flight to Beijing.

'There was no crash,' David's rep tells the Daily Star. 'They were driving a car that had been scratched the day before when it had been left parked at the airport.

'They were not involved at all. There was no police, no crash - just incorrect reports via the internet.'

David, 33, and Victoria, 34, had been holidaying on the French Riviera with sons Brooklyn, 9, Romeo, 5, and Cruz, 3.

Via nowmagazine.co.uk

Charlie, Brooke expecting first baby

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Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen is overzealous these days, as he is expecting his first child with wife Brooke Mueller. Charlie Sheen, who recently got divorced from ex-wife Denise Richards, has three daughters Sam and Lola with his ex-wife Richards; and Cassandra, 23, with ex- girlfriend Paula Profitt.

"Brooke and I are thrilled!" The New York Daily News quoted Sheen, as saying. "She's the best stepmom Sam, Lola and Cassandra could ever hope for, seeing her love and affection with those three, I know she'll be an amazing mom, unless I bat 100 percent, perhaps a boy awaits us," the actor added.

Inspite of a bitter divorce battle with Richards, Sheen married Mueller on May 30th and honeymooned in Costa Rica.

Via oneindia.in

Katy Perry remains kissed at number one in the UK

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Katy Perry's sapphic triumph 'I Kissed A Girl' scored a third week on top of the UK singles .

The track saw off the challenge of Irish trio The Script whose 'The Man Who Can't Be Moved', moved up one place to number two.

There was better news for the band on the album charts. Their debut self-titled album remained number one for a second week, ahead of ABBA's Gold compilation.

The only new entry on the album top 10 came from Damon Albarn's new project. 'Monkey: Journey To The West', which has provided a soundtracj to the Olympic coverage on the BBC in the UK entered at five.

Elsewhere in the singles chart, under-pressure Rihanna's finances got a shot in the arm as 'Disturbia' moved up two places to number four. It had been reported this week that the 'Umbrella' star was down to her last $20,000.

Meanwhile, Scottish rock heroes scored a new entry at 10 with 'Mountains'.

The UK album top 10:
1. The Script - 'Script'
2. Abba - 'Gold: Greatest Hits'
3. Duffy - 'Rockferry'
4. Coldplay - 'Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends'
5. 'Monkey: Journey To The West'
6. Kid Rock - 'Rock N Roll Jesus'
7. Noah & The Whale - 'Peaceful The World Lays Me Down'(Vertigo)
8. Rihanna - 'Good Girl Gone Bad'
9. Jane Mcdonald - 'Jane'
10. Scouting For Girls - 'Scouting For Girls'

Via nme.com

Anastacia's Lies About Her Age

lunes, 25 de agosto de 2008 |

Pop star Anastacia has been lying about her age for years - and is relieved to finally admit she is about to turn 40.

The singer was convinced to knock four years off her real age by executives at her record company, who claimed the fib would improve her chance of success in a youth-orientated music industry.

And Anastacia - who celebrates reaching the landmark age next month (Sep08) - admits it has been difficult maintaining the lie - as she always forgets her imaginary birthday.

She says, "I'm turning 40. And I'm happy to (admit it) because I have always lied about my age. Every interview I did I had to rethink when I was born, how old my brothers and sisters needed to be. I am thrilled I can finally turn 40."

And the star admits that lying about her age became a real issue when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 - although she was 35 at the time, her fans were led to believe she had contracted the condition at just 31.

She adds, "At that point I really didn't care that it was a lie because people thought that being young meant you didn't get cancer, but there were tons of young women who wrote to me and had cancer. I felt I needed to be the voice for that."

Via showbizspy.com

The list of celebrity contestants for the new season of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" has been revealed on Monday during "Good Morning America," confirming previous rumors on who's set to join the cast.

Just as promised, "Dancing with the Stars" host Tom Bergeron unveiled the stars, who are set to join the seventh season of the show, premiering Monday, September 22. Already rumored to be on the list, Broadway veterans Lance Bass and Toni Braxton, were confirmed to participate, while TV vet Cloris Leachman and Susan Lucci came as a surprise even for the show's diehard fans.

Leachman says she signed on — after getting medical approval from several doctors — largely to get in shape. "I don't have anything to prove," the nine-time Emmy winner says. "I haven't danced in 60 years. I want to get my muscles back. They're noodles. I need the exercise. This is the most pleasant way to do it."

"All My Children" star, Susan Lucci, said she's very "excited to be part of this." Her long pursuit of a best-actress Emmy helped boost her celebrity beyond daytime.

Reality TV star and socialite Kim Kardashian is among the contenders for ABC's trophy as well, despite her recent foot accident. Kardashian was rushed to the hospital last night after she suffered a serious cut on her foot from a glass coffee table.

"I cut my foot pretty bad," she said, but quickly added, "I will be able to dance."

Also on the list were Olympian Maurice Greene, "Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley, who became the youngest contestant on the show ever, actor Ted McGinley, famous for his role as Marcy's husband on "Married with Children," as well as starring in "Hope & Faith," TV personality Brooke Burke, comedian Jeffrey Ross and NFL champ Warren Sapp.

The show is set to be Toni Braxton's most notable appearance since April when she canceled her Las Vegas show, which she had been headlining since 2006, due to health problems. The Grammy-winning singer, who sold over 40 million records, was treated in the past for pericarditis, a viral inflammation of the heart.

Speaking to People.com about the upcoming season of the show, producer Conrad Green said that he’s anticipating this edition to be one of the show’s best yet. "Tons of people might be contenders right down to the last week. That’s what people want – lots of competition and unpredictable things happening," he said.

Hopefully for ABC, they got this year's casting mix right following the controversy which surrounded the previous season when Kristi Yamaguchi seemed the heavy favorite from the beginning, and she eventually won the contest.

"For me, it wasn't just Kristi," ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson said last month. "There wasn't a whole lot going on. I think it's good to have some controversy. It's good to have a little bit more edge at times and a little bit more competition. And I do think Kristi's skill as an ice skater and the translation of that as a dancer certainly put her out ahead."

Via efluxmedia.com

Sharon Osbourne has said she has no intention of watching the new series of The X Factor now that she’s no longer a judge.

Sharon was on the panel for the first four series of the reality TV competition but left at the start of auditions for the new series, which started last week, after producers reportedly failed to meet her pay demand. Now she’s negotiating a deal to write a novel based on the backstage antics of the show, which is expected to net her around £10million.

She explained this week: “I haven’t watched the show, I just don’t want to. I had to move on.

“It is so draining emotionally. You have a huge responsibility to people.”

But she’s not turning her back on television: she explained she’s working on a new show with husband Ozzy Osbourne and their children Jack and Kelly Osbourne, and she’ll take part in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing with the BBC.

Via fametastic.co.uk

Hollywood actor Alex Pettyfer has confessed that he had a fling with Julia Robert's niece Emma Roberts while filming 'Wild Child'.

Although the two are not together anymore, Pettyfer has revealed that he is still on good terms with Emma, with whom he shared onscreen kisses.

"I don't know how to say it, she's a lovely, lovely girl, we had a spell of something that is over now, but we're on good terms," Contactmusic quoted him as saying.

"She's beautiful, she's great; we're really good friends," he added.

The actor had got Roberts' name tattooed on his wrist while the two were dating.

"I'm going to get asked about this, aren't I? I though it was just between me and her," the actor said when asked about the tattoo.

Peaches Geldof's wedding revenge

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Peaches Geldof's friends have hinted she got married to annoy her ex-boyfriend.

The 19 year old star - the daughter of Bob Geldof - married US rock musician Max Drummey in Las Vegas on August 12.

It has been claimed Peaches and former lover Faris Badwan argued about his commitment to the relationship just days before she left the UK.

One friend said: "Before she left for America she was obsessed, showing people the commitment ring Faris had given her and talking about how she imagined her wedding with him."

Another source said: "They had a few big rows, mainly about his lack of commitment and Peaches' desire to tie the knot."

However, Faris' friends tell a different story, with one pal saying: "He had made it clear that he was absolutely not going to get married."

Another friend of Faris revealed: "It really looks like this might have been a two fingers up to Faris in the sense that she was saying, 'If you're not going to marry me now I am going to find someone who will.' "

Peaches and Max married at the Little White Chapel, echoing the wedding of her father Bob and her mother, the late Paula Yates, who wed in Las Vegas in 1986.

Peaches and Max had reportedly known each other for two years, and recently met again in London at the London iTunes festival where Max's band were playing and Peaches was presenting.

One of Peaches friends claims her marriage may be a positive step, saying: "I think this is actually going to be great for Peaches. If Max has been a friend for a couple of years, it could give her the stability that she so badly needs."

Via stv.tv

Calling all young, beautiful Britons with a yearning for life in the fast lane -- Paris Hilton is heading to Britain to find a new best friend.

Since parting ways on screen with Nicole Richie, her former best friend and co-star of reality TV show "The Simple Life," the socialite heiress has filmed a new series in Los Angeles called "Paris Hilton's My New BFF" (Best Friends Forever).

In the show, which goes to air Sept. 30, 20 wannabe members of Hilton's entourage battle it out in a house to win her friendship with contestants eliminated along the way.

But with the series over, Hilton, 27, said she had so much fun that she going to head to England to do it all over again.

"Imagine all the trouble and fun I could cause all at once just with a text on my Blackberry, from me to them," she wrote in a posting on her MySpace page.

"And because I had so much fun doing this one, I decided I need to find my new British BFF ... Everyone knows I love LA. But London, watch out."

She said her London best friend needed to be hot, able to keep up with her, and not a backstabber.

A statement from ITV2 said Hilton would be putting a group of potential friends from suburbia to the Shetlands through their paces to test their ambition and determination.

Anyone wanting to try to win Hilton's affection needs to be aged between 18 and 28, with the energy to keep up with her schedule and the looks and style to match her lifestyle.

Men can apply too but Hilton make no bones about where her romantic affections lie -- with boyfriend rocker Benji Madden, the twin brother of Richie's partner.

"I have a great boyfriend ... My favorite part of the summer has been the time I've gotten to spend on tour with my love Benj," raved Hilton.

Via reuters.com

Mario Marconi and Lisa Appleton to wed

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Big Brother lovebirds Mario Marconi and Lisa Appleton are set to wed after she said “I do” live on air yesterday.

Show bosses sneaked Mario – evicted six weeks ago – back into the house to be reunited with his lover.

The Sly Stallone lookalike proposed to her and she told him: “Yes.”

Loopy Lisa, 40, said: “I caught the flowers at Mario and Steph’s fake wedding in the house. It was a sign.”

Mario, 43, was taken into the BB garden yesterday lunchtime, suited and booted and with a red rose in his hand.

The housemates were kept in the dark about the surprise. Bosses pulled shutters over the patio doors while Mario took his position on a heart-shaped plinth in the garden.

And when they opened, the gang, who were stuck in the living room, rushed to the glass screaming.

BB chiefs would not unlock the doors, so the lovebirds were cruelly kept apart.

A stunned Lisa looked on as Mario proposed to her using cue cards.

His message said: “I’m sorry to say you are single no more. I have spoken to your daddy and I would like to marry you.”

At first Lisa she just screamed, then they locked lips either side of the glass.

Lisa said: “I will treasure this experience for the rest of my life.”

Via dailystar.co.uk

Sporty Spice expecting first child

domingo, 24 de agosto de 2008 |

Spice Girl Melanie C is expecting her first baby, she has revealed.

Sporty Spice, 34, is the last member of the hit band to have a child, following in the footsteps of Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton.

The singer, who has been with property developer boyfriend Thomas Starr for six years, announced the news on her website.

Via ukpress

Madonna kicks off world tour

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Madonna kicked off her world tour in grand style last night (August 23) by taking to the stage of Cardiff's [B}Millennium Stadium[/B] on a throne.

The singer, who turned 50 just a few days ago, wore a sparkly black one-piece outfit designed by Givenchy and was surrounded by dancers in top hats and tails for the start of the Sticky and Sweet 51-date tour.

Madonna's husband, film director Guy Ritchie, and children Lourdes, Rocco and David, were amongst those in the 40,000-strong audience - far from capacity for the massive venue.

During the show, Madonna was joined by Kanye West, Britney Spears and Pharrell Williams who had all recorded special video spots.

Working through tracks from new album 'Hard Candy', she also plucked from her rich back catalogue.

'Vogue', 'Die Another Day', 'La Isla Bonita' and 'Into The Groove' were all dusted down for the set.

The show was divided into four parts - Pimp, Old School, Gypsy and Rave. The roof of the stadium was shut during the gig which involved 250 crew, £1m of jewellery, 16 dancers and eight costume changes.

Madonna's last full tour was in 2006 and became the highest-grossing by a female artist at the time, with ticket sales of $195m (£105m).

Madonna takes the tour to mainland Europe, playing six shows starting on August 26 in Nice's Stade Charles Ehrmann before returning to the UK for a show at Wembley Stadium on September 11.

Via nme.com

Kerry Katona decided to embark on a six-hour pub crawl on Friday - just one day after being declared bankrupt.

The reality TV star visited three bars in her home town of Wilmslow, Cheshire, with a friend before finally calling it a night at 2.30am. She reportedly then belted out Abba's 'Dancing Queen' at full volume as she took a taxi home.

An onlooker told The People: "You wouldn't think she had just been made bankrupt."

The High Court issued a bankruptcy order this week after Katona failed to pay the final £82,000 of a £417,000 tax bill. She has insisted that the action will be annulled when funds for the bill finally clear next week.

Katona recently brushed off talk of a financial crisis by vowing to go ahead with her £15,000 cosmetic surgery plans.

Via showbizspy.com

Jade Goody's tumour 'size of a tomato'

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After a full week of tests, the former ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ star Jade Goody will find out her chances of surviving the deadly disease on Aug 29.

Goody has been examined under anaesthetic as medics tried to determine how far the cancer in her cervix has spread.

Initial examinations revealed that it has spread and that it has been growing, undetected, for three years.

“Jade’s had this three years. Even on this occasion a smear test was an after-thought,” the Daily Star quoted Goody’s close friend and therapist Sue Stone, as saying.

“The tumour is the size of a tomato! How was it missed? Jade is obviously absolutely devastated, but trying to remain positive.

“She said to me, ‘Sue, I’ve had some big challenges in my life but this is by far the biggest ever – and it’s not one I want to lose’,” she added.

On Aug 29, doctors will decide whether to perform a ‘radical hysterectomy’, followed by chemo and radiotherapy, in a bid to improve the 27-year-old’s chances.

Goody told Stone: “The next five days are huge in my life and I’m terrified – I know I am facing a fight for my life. But I am determined to come through this.”

Via indiatimes.com

McAdams and Gosling Back Together

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Close your ears. Ladies around the nation will be squealing upon hearing that their favourite Canadian couple are back together.

According to Usmagazine.com, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams have been packing on the PDA during a romantic breakfast, kissing and hugging at Toronto restaurant Grace.

Although the pair split back in April 2007, it seems that Canada’s hottest couple are an item again.

“Their friends are quite pleased that they're getting back together and are trying to give them space,” a source said.

In an interview with GQ earlier this year, Gosling said that women were “mad” at him for calling it quits.

“A girl came up to me on the street and she almost smacked me,” he said. “Like, 'How could you? How could you let a girl like that go?’”

Via andpop.com

Miley Cyrus To Celebrate Sweet 16 On Gay Days

sábado, 23 de agosto de 2008 |

Besides Miley Cyrus' hyped, huge Sweet 16 bash on October 5th, Disneyland will also host the 11th annual Gay Days event between October 3rd -5th.

Described by the LGBT news outlet, The Advocate, as a "mix-in with straight parkgoers," Gay Days Anaheim draws in swarms of gays and lesbians, who usually sport red shirts in support of their community. Last year's edition gathered around 30,000 gay and lesbian visitors. However, Gay Days is not Disney-sponsored, so park operators will not have official regulation over the event.

On the last day of Gay Days, Miley Cyrus is set to party alongside 5,000 fans who will have purchased the $250 ticket to her party.

Speaking of her upcoming celebration, the "Hannah Montana" star said she can't wait for the "super awesome" party which will feature a performance from the singer herself as well as roller coaster rides.

"It's gonna be an awesome party with more than 7 things I like," the New York Daily News quoted her.

"It's gonna be totally awesome. I hope it's a great time," she added.

Very eager about her party, the 15-year-old insisted that all she wanted is to have fun and ride the rides. Besides her fans, Miley will also be honoring kids from Youth Service America "who are giving back to their community," she explained praising their volunteering activities.

The teen sensation, who earned $18.2 million last year, said that as a soon-to-be driver, she wants to get a car, which she described as "something bad on the road."

She went on telling Radio Disney recently that the car must be "big enough for all my friends and to scare all the cars away from me. I'm a good driver but it's everyone else that I'm worried about!"

Via efluxmedia.com

Madonna kicks off `Sticky and Sweet' tour in UK

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The queen of pop began her world tour Saturday night, appearing before fans on a throne as a retinue of dancers wriggled their way across a stage at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

An army of fans wearing pink cowboy hats and boas waited nearly two hours for Madonna's concert to get under way, erupting into screams at the first song — "Candy Shop" — from her new "Hard Candy" album.

Some had been lining up since Friday to see the four-act show.

It carried the usual Madonna fixtures: sequins, fishnets, and bondage-style outfits drawn from the 3,500 items of clothing reportedly whipped together by 36 designers specifically for the "Sticky and Sweet" tour. Promoters promised a "rock-driven danstastic journey" supported by a traveling crew of 250 — including a chiropractor, personal trainer and a masseuse.

The show itself includes eight costume changes, 16 dancers, and $1.85 million worth of Swarovski crystals. It is billed as a musical mishmash of "gangsta pimp," Romanian folk, rave, and a nod to the blonde material-girl's roots in the 80s New York City dance scene.

Those roots go back three decades to when the aspiring singer reportedly showed up in city with just $35 in her pocket. Despite celebrating her 50th birthday just last week, the world's top-selling female recording artist is still writhing, shaking and shimmying in the limelight — taking her place at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March.

But controversy plagued the singer earlier this summer with the publication of a gossipy memoir written by her brother Christopher Ciccone, speculation about her relationship with New York Yankee slugger Alex Rodriquez and rumors that her marriage to British filmmaker Guy Ritchie was on the rocks, which she hotly denied.

Madonna's tour was eagerly anticipated in Britain, where the pop superstar — known here as "Madge" — has made her home.

"I can't wait for it to start," Gemma Thomas, a 24-year-old fan from Merthyr, Wales, said before the concert. She said Madonna should not retire soon. "I hope it's not her last tour."

Tabloids clucked approvingly at the more than 600 hours of rehearsal time and the monthslong exercise regime said to have gone into the show, with the Sun saying the singer was in "incredible shape" and crowing: "She's still got the old Madgic."

However, others wondered at the singer's carbon footprint, questioning the amount of carbon dioxide pumped out by ferrying Madonna's wardrobe, makeup, and freezers (for ice to soothe the dancers' aching feet) across the world.

After Cardiff's opening concert, "Sticky and Sweet" moves across Europe, hitting London's Wembley Stadium on Sept. 11 and Paris on Sept. 20. From there, it goes to North America in October before wrapping it up Dec. 18 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

It is Madonna's first tour since striking a deal with concert promoter Live Nation Inc. worth an estimated $120 million over 10 years. The partnership gives Live Nation a stake of future music and music-related business she generates, including touring, merchandising and albums. Madonna's last tour was her 2006 "Confessions."

Via associatedpress

Nicole Cammack voted out of Big Brother

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Student Nicole Cammack has become the 10th contestant to be evicted from the Big Brother house after losing out in the public vote.

The 19 year old was the loser in a three-way competition between fellow nominees Lisa Appleton and Sara Folino.

She had received four nominations from her housemates, including Mikey, who branded her "quite selfish" in the diary room.

Cammack joined her boyfriend, chef Rex Newmark, on the show two weeks ago.

But some housemates felt the student did not deserve her place on the programme.

"She hasn't been through all the stuff we went through to get here," said songwriter Darnell Swallow.

When told of her nomination, Cammack reacted angrily, saying it was "pretty obvious" she had fallen victim to a conspiracy.

Radio producer Mikey Hughes is currently the favourite the win the reality show, which ends on 5 September.

Miley Cyrus to celebrate sweet 16 at Disneyland

viernes, 22 de agosto de 2008 |

Controversial teen superstar Miley Cyrus is set to celebrate her 16th birthday at Disneyland, and she's inviting her fans to join the party.

The Hannah Montana star celebrates the milestone on October 5 with a special birthday bash at Disneyland in California.

"I love rollercoasters," Curys told Entertainment Tonight in a video message.

"(It will be) one rockin' night ... totally awesome."

Cyrus is inviting fans to celebrate with her by selling $250 to the event at which she will perform.

Proceeds go to charity Youth Service America.

Cyrus has courted controversy recently with the release of a series of raunchy online photos, and a "topless" photo shoot in Vanity Fair magazine.

She has also attempted to relaunch a more mature image with the release of her new album, entitled Breakout.

Via stuff.co.nz

Kerry Katona declared bankrupt

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Popstar Kerry Katona has been declared bankrupt after she failed to pay an 82, 000 pound tax bill. Katona, 27, who has earlier been married to Westlife singer Brian McFadden, could not clear the due payment after getting three warnings from the court. Registrar Nicholas made the bankruptcy order after the popstar failed to get the money even after getting final 90 minutes to come up with the green notes.

"The funds have not been received by my instructing solicitor," The Sun quoted Kerry's representative Luke Harris, as telling the court. The mother-of-four was declared bankrupt even though her mansion in Wilmslow, Cheshire, which she shares with hubby Mark Croft, 37, and fleet of luxury cars are worth more than her debt.

Via oneindia.in

Rihanna, Paramore, Pink and T.I. are the latest additions to the list of performers at this year's MTV Video Music Awards.

Also on the bill for the event, which is set to be held September 7 in Los Angeles, are Kid Rock, Lil Wayne and the Jonas Brothers.

"I can't wait," Pink told the Associated Press, adding that she plans to "blow stuff up."

British comedian Russell Brand will host the event, as previously reported. Britney Spears has been nominated for several awards and has done promos for the event, but it is not yet known whether she'll make an appearance on the show after her come-back debacle at last year's VMAs.

Via nme.com

Bryony Shaw prompts BBC apology by swearing after Olympic windsurfing bronze

jueves, 21 de agosto de 2008 |

Expressing her delight at clinching a bronze in the dramatic windsurfing competition in Qingdao, Shaw told the nation "I am so f***ing happy."

The final race had begun with a false start and at one point Shaw touched with Spaniard Marina Alabau at one of the buoys.

But the 25-year-old recovered to finish second on the day, 12 seconds behind Italy's Alessandra Sensini. Her performace secured her a podium place in the overall competition

"I am just so happy," she said afterwards.

"It was such a hard race and I had such a hard week. It's the best thing in the world.

"I love my mum and dad so much, they are so supportive. And my boyfriend Greg. My coach Tom is such a legend. I am so f***ing happy.

"I just wanted to sail as fast as I could. Well done to the Chinese and Italian girls, they have raced so well this week. I am so happy to be among the medals. It's unreal, I am just so happy."

A spokesman for the BBC said: "We apologise for any offense caused earlier today when Bryony Shaw swore live on air having just won an Olympic bronze medal in the windsurfing event.

"Our reporter on the spot Rob Walker apologised immediately and Adrian Chiles apologised again when the footage cut back to the studio."

Via telegraph.co.uk

Gwen Stefani & Gavin Rossdale Have a Boy!

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It's a rock band in the making: Gwen Stefani and her rocker husband Gavin Rossdale welcomed their second child, a son, on Thursday in Los Angeles, PEOPLE has learned.

The couple named the boy Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale, a rep for Stefani says.

Zuma joins the couple's other son Kingston, who turned 2 in May.

Stefani, 38, who is one of four children herself, has spoken openly about her hope for more children. "I'm in a race to have another," she told InStyle last year before announcing her pregnancy.

The No Doubt singer, also the designer behind the L.A.M.B and Harajuku Lovers fashion lines, told the magazine that Rossdale is "super into being a dad."

Rossdale, 42, told PEOPLE that the couple planned to follow friends' advice and get a gift for Kingston so he didn't feel left out when his new sibling arrived. "Apparently when the baby comes home, you've got to bring a really good present for Kingston," he said.

Via people.com

Parents upset with Katy Perry's lesbian hit

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Popstar Katy Perry's religious parents are totally upset with her chart topping single I Kissed A Girl because they feel that it has shameful and disgusting lyrics, and promotes homosexuality. Mary and Keith Hudson have pronounced the hit sinful, and are praying for their 23-year-old daughter's salvation.

"We hate it, It promotes homosexuality - which the Bible clearly states is a sin - and it is shameful and disgusting, when it comes on I bow my head and pray," the Mirror quoted Mary Hudson as saying. Perry recently upset her dad Keith, who claims to be a healer guided by the Holy Spirit, when she jumped into the crowd, and kissed a lesbian fan.

"She is our daughter and we love her and can''t cut her out of our lives, but we strongly disagree with how she is conducting herself and she knows how disappointed we are," Mary Hudson said. "She changed when she went to LA and is going through a period of rebellion, She's told me, ''Oh Mum, I'm not going to turn into Amy Winehouse, but I pray all the time God will help her find salvation," she added.

Via oneindia.in

Countdown looking for new Vorderman

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Channel 4 has begun its search for a replacement for 'Countdown' star Carol Vorderman, who is leaving the show at the end of the year.

According to reports, 47-year-old Vorderman chose to quit the show after she was asked to take a 90% pay cut and given 48 hours to decide whether to say or go.

The show's presenter Des O'Connor is also leaving 'Countdown', with a special show set to mark the two departures.

Vorderman has been appearing on the show for the past 25 years.

Channel 4 has said that her replacement should have "charm and charisma to appeal to viewers" and "excellent numeric and literacy skills".

Shortlisted "maths whizzes" will reportedly attend auditions with 'Countdown' producers and the new recruit will appear on screen in January next year.

Helen Warner, Channel 4 Head of Daytime, said: "We realise that Carol's shoes are extremely difficult ones to fill, as she has done such an amazing job on 'Countdown' over the past 25 years."

Via rte.ie

Janet Jackson creates own lingerie line

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Pop star Janet Jackson is set to launch her own lingerie line, titled 'Pleasure Principle'. The 42 year old singer has teamed up with Australian designer Bruno Schiav to launch the range named after her 1987"s hit single.

The collection would feature Chantilly lace and satin along with rich colours like burgundy. It offers various bra styles (demi cups to full coverage), with sizes from 32A to 44G. "There's something for every woman, and that's very important to us," Usmagazine.com quoted the singer, as saying.

"I've always hated when lingerie is uncomfortable, so the fit and comfort was key. People have come to me with other ideas, but lingerie is a passion for me, and just like music and acting, I can't do it unless I put 100 percent into it," she added.

Via oneindia.in

Dave Matthews Band sax player LeRoi Moore dies

miércoles, 20 de agosto de 2008 |

A publicist for the Dave Matthews Band says saxophone player LeRoi Moore has died of injuries suffered in an all-terrain-vehicle accident in June.

Publicist Ambrosia Healy says Moore died Tuesday at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles.

He was initially hospitalized in late June after the accident on his farm outside Charlottesville, Va.

Moore had recently returned to his Los Angeles home to begin physical rehabilitation when complications forced him back into the hospital.

Moore was 46.

Amy Winehouse has booked at stay a rehab clinic close to husband Blake Fielder Civil's prison.

According to The Sun Winehouse, will stay at the Focus 12 Clinic in Bury St Edmunds. The clinic is just 15 miles away from Highpoint Prison, where Fielder-Civil is serving 27 months for ABH and perverting the course of justice.

The paper reports that comedian Russell Brand organised for Winehouse to stay at the clinic, after beating his own demons there.

The singer's dad, Mitch Winehouse, also pledged his support, saying: "This is a very good idea. If she can get clean and still see Blake, it can only be good."

Via nme.com

Rhys Ifans: I love Stewart

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Welsh actor Rhys Ifans has declared his love for rock offspring Kimberly Stewart - by scrawling a romantic message on his face.

Ifans sparked rumours he is dating Stewart - daughter of rocker Rod - after they were photographed recently enjoying a string of dates.

And it appears Ifans has finally moved on from his split from Sienna Miller after he was photographed with the words 'I Love K' scrawled onto his cheek.

Via contactmusic.com

Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson canoodling in public

martes, 19 de agosto de 2008 |

Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan and her lesbian lover Samantha Ronson were recently spotted canoodling publicly in Hollywood. The pair pleasantly embraced each other and seemed to be in jovial moods, while touching each other on the streets of LA district.

Meanwhile, Lohan's alleged ex Courtenay Semel has claimed that the 'Mean Girls' actress was involved with her before getting involved with Samantha in a lesbian relationship.

"Everyone thinks Samantha is Lindsay's first lesbian love, but we were very passionate until her fear of being found out drove us apart," The Sun quoted Courtenay, as saying. "But then Samantha came on to the scene and I was dropped," she added.

Via oneindia.in

No sign of Peaches at husband's gig

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There was no sign of Peaches Geldof as her new husband's band began its UK tour.

Guitarist Max Drummey made no mention of his new bride or their Las Vegas nuptials as he played with his band Chester French at a half-full Sheffield Academy.

In fact Drummey, 23, said nothing at all at he trashed his way through a 40 minute set.

He spent the first half with his face completely covered by a scarf and dark glasses.

When he eventually let the mask drop, the skinny Harvard graduate kept the shades and left all the talking to his musical partner and singer D.A. Wallach.

Geldof returned to London at the end of last week following her shock wedding to the American musician saying she was "very happy".

The daughter of Bob Geldof and the late Paula Yates first met her new husband - a Harvard anthropology graduate - a year ago.

Her rock star-turned-philanthropist father was informed of the wedding plans just before the short ceremony took place.

A spokesman for Geldof said her father gave the union his blessing despite not being able to walk his daughter down the aisle.

The marriage followed a whirlwind romance between Geldof and Drummey who were together for little over a month before tying the knot. Their relationship blossomed last month after Chester French played at the iTunes festival in London, where Geldof hosted the ITV coverage.

Via ukpress

Goody quits India TV show after cancer diagnosis

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Controversial British television personality Jade Goody has pulled out of India's "Bigg Boss" show after she was diagnosed with cancer, the channel broadcasting the show and her publicist said Tuesday.

Goody apparently broke down in front of her fellow contestants on the show -- the Indian version of "Celebrity Big Brother" -- after learning of her test results, which her publicist said revealed she has cervical cancer.

"Jade's stay at the Bigg Boss house has been cut short," the Colors channel said in a statement.

Goody's appearance on the show came 18 months after she was accused of racism on British TV's "Celebrity Big Brother" due to her taunting of Bollywood actress and fellow contestant Shilpa Shetty.

Shetty is the host of the Bigg Boss show, which began Sunday.

The Colors channel said Goody, 27, had been "looking forward to reaching out to millions of Indians, to try and dispel various perceptions that exist in people's minds about her."

Goody was seen learning to gyrate to Bollywood songs in the first episode of the show televised on Monday -- with strong viewer ratings reported -- but abruptly flew out of Mumbai to return home for treatment.

Goody's publicist Max Clifford told BBC radio she was "extremely upset and frightened."

"Jade had some tests recently, then she went off to India to appear in the Indian Big Brother. Yesterday we got a call from her consultant to say she had cancer of the cervix and so she has to come back straight away," he said.

Asked if the result was a positive smear test or a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, Clifford said: "No, it is cancer."

"Jade is absolutely devastated. She was in floods of tears and broke down in front of her house mates," Clifford was also quoted as saying by Scottish newspaper the Daily Record.

Shetty said in the Colors statement: "It is unbelievable, how life is so unpredictable and finds a way to distract and derail you from your plans. My prayers are with Jade.

"I pray she comes out of this, soon and, stronger."

Goody, a former dental nurse, was evicted from the British show by an audience vote and came in for tough criticism over her conduct on the series. Shetty ultimately won the show.

Goody visited India last year and said she had donated money she earned from the British show to poor Indian children.

Via afp

Tropic film dethrones Dark Knight

lunes, 18 de agosto de 2008 |

Ben Stiller comedy Tropic Thunder has dethroned Batman sequel The Dark Knight at the US and Canadian box office.

The spoof, about a group of actors who end up fighting in a real war, took $26m (£14m) in its first weekend.

The Dark Knight, starring Christian Bale as Batman and Heath Ledger as his arch-enemy The Joker, had held the top spot for four weeks.

It earned another $16.8m (£9m) to overtake Star Wars as America's second highest-grossing film of all time.

James Cameron's 1997 epic Titanic remains the highest-grossing film in the US with takings of $601m (£322m).

Musical

The animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars opened in third place with $15.5m (£8.3m), while the latest Hollywood remake of a cult Asian horror film, Mirrors, starring Kiefer Sutherland, was in fourth spot with $11.1m (£6m).

Cannabis comedy Pineapple Express, from the makers of Knocked Up, was in fifth place with earnings of $10m (£5.36m).

Action-adventure The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor was sixth with $8.6m (£4.6m), ahead of Abba musical Mamma Mia!, with $6.5m (£3.5m).

Rounding out the top 10 were The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, with $5.93m (£3.2m), ahead of comedy Step Brothers with $5m (£2.7m).

Woody Allen's latest film, romantic comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona, was 10th with $3.7m (£2m).

Via bbc.co.uk

Amy Winehouse turned in a wobbly performance at the V Festival - but escaped being booed for a second time.

The troubled soul singer was barracked when she arrived late on stage at the event's leg in Weston Park, Staffordshire on Saturday night.

Her set at the festival's second site, at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex, also started behind schedule but attracted cheers rather than jeers.

Winehouse made a jittery start, but had the crowd singing along by the time she closed with her version of The Zutons' song Valerie. She appeared to change the words of her hit Rehab to refer to her husband Blake Fielder-Civil's incarceration for trying to cover up an attack on a pub landlord.

The 24-year-old Grammy winner looked nervous, and her vocals were sometimes only partially audible, but the V crowd applauded loudly at the end of her curtailed set.

Music fans at the festival's Essex site basked in sunshine as they enjoyed a diverse line-up of rock, pop and urban acts today.

Weston Park suffered heavy downpours over the weekend, but Hylands Park almost entirely escaped the rain.

Earlier, Girls Aloud won over the main stage with their combination of perfect pop tunes and energetic dance routines. All dressed in black with gold accessories, they got the crowd joining in with their hits, including Love Machine and Call the Shots, as well as spirited covers of Walk This Way and Jump (For My Love).

On the 4Music stage, Scouting For Girls provoked a mass singalong with their summer-tinged indie pop. Their medley of Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling In Love and their own hit Elvis Ain't Dead sent fans into a frenzy.

On Saturday night, the headliners at Chelmsford, Devon band Muse accompanied their operatic rock with a spectacular laser show. Their V appearance concluded a gruelling world tour, and now the group will return to the studio to begin the follow-up to 2006's Black Holes and Revelations album.

Via ukpress

Nicole breaks down over Rex's behaviour

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Nicole breaks down over Rex's behaviour

Despite a party to celebrate winning the latest task, Nicole found living in the 'Big Brother' house to be too much last night.

Channel 4's website reports that after leaving the Diary Room her cheeks were tear-stained and her eyes bloodshot.

She went to the garden, telling boyfriend and head of house Rex that she was fine.

In the garden, Nicole opened up to Kathreya.

She said: "I'm just known as Rex's girlfriend and that's it. Everyone else is in the same position here except me and people don't really want to know me. It's really hard. I feel left out all the time."

Kathreya replied: "Earlier you looked like you were enjoying the conversation."

Nicole then explained fully the reason for her upset: "I do everything for him. I stand by him and he obviously doesn't appreciate it."

Earlier, Rex was asked by Big Brother why he had chosen Nicole and Sara's chewed bubblegum mosaic of him as the best in the latest task.

He said: "Well, secretly before, they both bribed me with sexual favours, so that was what swung it for me."

Nicole was unimpressed with the comment and Sara also did not reply.

Via rte.ie

Katherine Heigl has spoken out to congratulate newlyweds Ellen Degeneres and Portia De Rossi.

"One of my favorite people of all time is Ms. Ellen DeGeneres," the 27 Dresses star told the Associated Press news agency at a Hollywood charity event on Saturday night. "So I wish all the best, all the happiness, all the joy that comes with that certificate ... just the joy of being able to stand up and say that. In front of everyone you love and care about in front of each other and to walk away legal is huge."

And Tila Tequila, whose dating reality show fame is built somewhat upon her affinity for both men and women, passed along her good wishes — with only one small complaint.

"I love Ellen (DeGeneres) I watch her show all the time," Tequila said. "I just want to say congratulations and I am really sorry you didn't invite me to your wedding."

Degeneres, 50, and De Rossi, 35, wed in an intimate ceremony on Saturday, August 16.

The couple exchanged rings at the private service in the backyard of their Beverly Hills home.

Just 19 guests watched as the couple read aloud their handwritten vows, including DeGeneres' mother Betty and De Rossi's mother Margaret Rogers, who flew in from her native Australia for the occasion.

The couple's spokesperson says, "Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were married tonight in an intimate ceremony at their home in Los Angeles."

Shortly after the wedding, DeGeneres taped an interview for her daytime talk show, which is where she first announced in May (08) she would wed the Arrested Development star.

California lifted its ban on gay weddings in May this year after the state's Supreme Court ruled the ban on same-sex unions was unconstitutional.

Via showbizspy.com